USA Today seeks a general consumer news reporter

USA Today’s Money & Consumer team is seeking a reporter to cover general consumer news, focusing on how people can save, spend, grow and protect their money, including trending news and enterprise around consumer habits.

This reporter should be on the cutting edge of consumer trends and aim to be an authority on consumer news. Coverage areas may range from the changes across retail landscape from a consumer perspective, health and medical consumer issues and news, protecting privacy, navigating scams and hacks as well as how-to’s on navigating smart shopping and spending.

Digital and audience acumen is critical, including strong familiarity with SEO and social media best practices along with a passion for connecting with and telling stories for diverse audiences.

The successful candidate may be called upon to represent USA Today through media and other appearances and will need to be a team player who is eager to work with colleagues in developing video, audio and interactive content to create engaging, multifaceted packages for our readers.

Candidates should have a track record of covering issues of national import on a regular basis and a portfolio that reflects deep reporting and strong storytelling.

The reporter in this position will work with a dynamic team at USA Today and occasionally with colleagues in local newsrooms across the USA Today Network.

Remote candidates are welcome but should be prepared to work an East Coast mid-shift.

Job Level: National News Reporter III

Minimum salary for this position: $72,000

Responsibilities:

Create content (articles, videos, photos, and social media posts) about local news that accurately informs, entertains, and engages key audiences and platforms with metrics.
Provide thoughtful, in-depth reporting of complex issues.
Work with editors to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
Mentor colleagues.
Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics).
Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Perform other duties as necessary.
Requirements:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, digital media, journalism or any other related subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Candidates should have at least three years of reporting experience.
Strong knowledge of AP grammar and style.
Comfort with using social media to report and promote stories.
Understanding of media law, journalism and reporting ethics and sourcing.
Collaborative spirit who can work well with others.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

Your resume – one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

To apply, go here.